Q: Is the zikr of ‘Yaa Ghaus Almadad’ permissible and if not is salaat permissible behind a imam who makeS this zikr in his weekly zikr program together with the salami etc while standing? What is the state of iman (faith) of the person?
A. The Zikr of ‘Yaa Ghaus Almadad’ is not permissible because the person chanting this is calling for help from Hadhrat Abdul Qaadir Jilani (Rahmatullaahi Alayh) who was a very pious, saintly person. But, like any other dead human, he has no power to help anyone. A person who asks directly from the dead with the belief that the deceased can help has committed an act of Shirk.
It is not permissible to appoint such a person as Imam, but Salaah behind him is valid. If one is able to read Salaah behind another Imam who has correct beliefs, then it is not permissible to follow such an Imam in Salaah.
Mufti Siraj Desai